Oak Hill Fishermen Charged With Using Illegal Gill Net

AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

TITUSVILLE — Two commercial fishermen from Oak Hill were arrested Tuesday on charges of using an illegal gill net to catch more than 300 pounds of pompano, according to the Florida Marine Patrol.

James Broward Goodrich, 30, and Owen Lloyd Norris, 32, were arrested after officials received a tip that the 500-yard-long net was hidden on an island in Mosquito Lagoon, said Marine Patrol spokesman Les Williams.

Patrol officers kept the island under surveillance for several days with night-vision equipment, Williams said.

The men were charged with two counts each of using the entangling net. Each count is punishable by a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

If convicted, the fishermen also could face suspension of their commercial licenses for 90 days and civil penalties of up to $1,500, Williams said.